THE Lord Mayor of Cork has said he would welcome Donald Trump to Leeside if the US president takes up an invitation to visit Ireland.

Despite widespread opposition to a visit from TDs and other elected representatives, Lord Mayor Tony Fitzgerald said any visit by Mr Trump would offer an incredible opportunity to showcase Cork.

“A visit by a US President is also an unrivalled opportunity to showcase all that Cork has to offer to an international audience: whether that is as a location to invest in, a destination to visit or a city to study in.” 

However, Cork North Central TDs Jonathan O’Brien and Mick Barry have both said Mr Trump should not be invited here.

Mr O’Brien said: I think it sends out all the wrong messages. Donald Trump is a racist, he is a homophobe.

“If I was Taoiseach, I wouldn't have invited him.”